ROY HODGSON names his 23-man England squad for the World Cup finals tomorrow, but Ashley Cole has not been included.

Hodgson contacted Cole tonight to inform the Chelsea defender that he had not made the squad, with Southampton's Luke Shaw preferred as the left-back cover for first-choice Leighton Baines.

Shaw, who was also the subject of a £27m bid from Manchester United tonight, has been given the nod as Hodgson looks to put his faith in youth ahead of a tournament that will see England attempt to negotiate a difficult group that also features Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica.

Cole was offered the chance to go on standby for the tournament, although the 33-year-old declined the offer, effectively signalling the end of his international career.

Cole tweeted: "I got the call from Roy and agree England team should be about the young players. I think it best I retire from England team now.

"We have a great manager and team, and I wish them only success. I will be supporting them like a true fan. Thanks to everyone for everything."

Manchester United duo Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley are also understood to have been left out of the squad, with the pair paying a high price for a below-par season with their club side.

Hodgson will name a youthful squad for Brazil, with former Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson due to be included after an excellent season with Liverpool. Everton midfielder Ross Barkley and Southampton forward Adam Lallana will also be offered an opportunity to make their World Cup debut.

The exception to the squad's youthful look could well be Frank Lampard, as it appears as though the Chelsea midfielder will be selected tomorrow despite struggling to force his way into Jose Mourinho's first team for the majority of the campaign.